What to Pack for a Baby & Toddler on a Long-Term USA Road Trip

We left Florida in peak summer with a 4-month-old and a 2.5-year-old, one Toyota Camry, and zero warm clothes. Four months and thousands of miles later — this is the exact list that survived real life on the road (and still leaves empty space in the trunk).

Baby Packing List (4–8 months during the trip)

5 short-sleeve bodysuits
3 long-sleeve bodysuits (for overzealous AC only)
2 lightweight pants
6–7 pairs of socks
2 thin cotton swaddle blankets (sun protection, nursing cover, emergency blanket)
5 reusable waterproof changing pads
Diapers + wipes for 10–14 days max (restocked everywhere)

Toddler Packing List (2.5–3 years)

4 favorite T-shirts
2 shorts + 2 lightweight pants
6 pairs socks + underwear
1 thin hoodie (literally the only “warm” item we owned for the first 3 months)
potty (non-negotiable — gas station bathrooms are scary)

Must-Have Gear That Saved Our Sanity Depends On

Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper – sets up in 15 seconds, weighs almost nothing → my affiliate link
BabbleRoo Grow Carrier – we use it every day (my absolute must have)
5 favorite toys only (chosen by the toddler himself)
5 favorite books (rotated weekly)
Complete children’s first-aid kit + all medications (fever, teething, tummy issues — used everything)

Clothing Strategy That Actually Works

Packed only for the current season (Florida summer = zero jackets).
When the weather changed → one TJ Maxx run and we were set.
“Grow & Throw” rule: as soon as an item is outgrown → donated the same day. No dead weight ever.

Result:

Kids always have clean, fitting clothes
Trunk stays organized and half-empty
Zero stress about laundry days

This exact system has worked perfectly from 100 °F Florida heat to snowy Colorado mornings.

Save or screenshot this list if you’re planning any long family road trip — it’s been toddler- and baby-approved across half the country.

What’s the one item YOU can’t hit the road without? Comment below — I read and reply to every single one!

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P.S. Wondering how we never pay for accommodation with two little kids? Full guide here → [How We Travel the USA for Free with TrustedHousesitters]

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